Jason Momoa is having a moment. After starring in Minecraft, one of the biggest hits of 2025, he’s looking forward to an even more massive 2026. And while it’s hard to remember a time when Momoa wasn’t having a moment, next year, by his own accounting, will be the most massive yet.
“I’m pretty pumped,” Momoa says. “I was just sitting down with a friend, going like, yeah. ‘I’m Duncan [in Dune 3], I’m Lobo [in Supergirl], and I’m Blanka [in Street Fighter]. I’m basically doing whatever my 13-year-old self would want me to be doing.”
But before 2026 becomes the year of Momoa, we all have to get through the holiday season. And that means spending a lot of money and trying to make sure you have a bit left over afterwards. On that goal, Momoa is starring in a new series of holiday-themed commercials for financial app Chime. As the first Chime ad debuted, Men’s Journal caught up with Momoa to find out what made this partnership work for him, get a preview of his next big TV and movie projects, and talk about why, when he uses his personal “Momoa Math,” buying a motorcycle is better than investing in Bitcoin.
Men’s Journal: Why do holiday banking ads for Chime? Why did you choose this partnership?
I feel like they chose me. They came in with a really amazing idea, and they probably chose me because our values align. I work hard. I could probably use a little help with my own personal banking, to be honest. I think it’s just what they’re doing is pretty smart. And I think I’m a relatively authentic person, and I feel like it was a perfect match.
All men could use a little help with their personal banking, right?
Absolutely. I also think that I’m not the best at that. Probably, I could have been better in the past. So I think it’s nice to have a company like this, being able to take some stress away and manage your finances better. And also, it was a great opportunity to do all these things and make people giggle. I’ve never been able to play something like this.
Speaking of buying things: I know you’re passionate about motorcycles. Is that a passion purchase for you or an investment? Both?
I’ve never played with stocks and things like that. This is when I get into my “Momoa math.” [Laughs]. I do think of motorcycles as investments, but I do enjoy them. I mean, I use them! But, they’re going to be things I pass down to my children and their children, hopefully. And, if need be, it’s also a good investment.
And, I think it [a motorcycle] documents a piece of culture. Sometimes you want to make the smart investment. And so, I tend to buy things that are a little bit more vintage or the heritage things that are a bit older.
So, to be clear, “Momoa Math” is buying stuff you love, but knowing it’s valuable, too.
I try to explain it to people like this: I’m going to invest in this. It’ll make money at some point. It’s mine. I’m going to put my soul into this thing. And at some point, if my kid doesn’t like it, they’ll be able to sell it. If not, then they’ll be able to enjoy it too. And it carries all my love and passion, and I think those things are great. Being nostalgic like that, I personally like that over just having some stock or some Bitcoin. I guess that’s me. That’s just my personal taste.
How nuts is your hair as Blanka going to be in Street Fighter?
Pretty nuts! But playing Blanka was a great time. I feel like it’s what a huge fan would want. It’s what I would want. I think everyone will be pleasantly surprised. Anyone who’s a true fan is going to be pretty stoked.
Have you purchased any vintage Street Fighter arcade games recently?
Bro, I have one in my house! That’s the whole reason why I’m playing Blanka in the movie! My mom raised me with no video games. And so, it was always a sneaking thing that I loved. I’d go to a friend’s house to play Street Fighter. Or go to the arcade to play Street Fighter. When you get to a certain age, you go buy all the toys you were never allowed to have.
